I think the franchise has had a defensive decline since Yzerman retired: there's no longer that pride in winning games defensively. Once the core nucleus guys retired or were traded (Fedorov, Yzerman, Larionov, Shanahan), the team no longer had that defensive character.

Even with great defensive players like Lidstrom and Datysuk, we no longer seem to revel in our team GAA being tops in the League like it used to.

I don't remember the last time we've had goals scored upon us in the first minutes back-to-back games. Not to mention the last time we've been outscored the first period 5-0 the last two games. We simply can't have our goalies playing like this. Either Osgood needs to get himself together -- I'm the biggest Osgood fan ever, but even I'll admit he may be done -- Howard needs to start playing consistent (he certainly didn't today with 5 g.a.) or the Wings seriously need to start looking for a goalie out there. Personally, I'm on the side that we need another goalie. God, never thought I'd say it, but wouldn't it be GREAT to have Ty Conklin right now?